L.A.B frontman Joel Shadbolt delivered a beautiful rendition of Ozzy Osbourne’s classic ballad Mama I’m Coming Home during a live session at Rock HQ back in 2021.
In light of the recent passing of the heavy metal icon, it felt right to re-share it.
Released in 1991, Mama I’m Coming Home was one of Ozzy’s biggest solo hits and remains a fan favorite. Co-written with Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister, the song showcased Ozzy’s more reflective side.
Shadbolt’s stripped-back version of the song trades in the original’s electric guitar as the song builds, for an acoustic guitar - giving the power ballad a softer side.
Although we originally released this version back in 2021, fans are loving it all the same now.
“Straight outta the heart. Fuckin beautiful,” wrote one person on Instagram last night.
“Another Talented Soul…” wrote another.
“Love this version of this song, brilliant” wrote a third.
Following the devastating news of the Prince of Darkness’ death, tributes from the rock community have been flooding in from around the world.
The Morning Rumble found out about the news during the show yesterday morning (July 23), and Bryce quickly penned a tribute to the late legend, as we all began to grapple with his death.
We also took a moment yesterday to look back at all of the times we were lucky enough to be able to interview Ozzy. In one 2012 interview with The Morning Rumble, Ozzy reflected on Black Sabbath’s 1973 performance at The Great Ngāruawāhia Festival, and remembered it vividly.
As fans across the globe continue to mourn the loss of a true rock pioneer, it’s performances like Joel Shadbolt’s that remind us why Ozzy mattered so deeply - not just for his wild stage presence, but for the raw humanity in his music.
Mama I’m Coming Home was always a song about love, regret, and returning to the ones who matter most.
And now, it feels like the perfect send off.
Rest in peace, Ozzy.
